Hokkaido’s western Shiribeshi region is struggling to boost lumber production despite a growing demand for domestic timber and soaring prices around the world — dubbed the "wood shock."
A shortage of loggers and difficulty tracking down landowners to get consent for forest harvesting are some of the reasons behind the situation, prompting frustration among forestry businesses hoping to cash in on the opportunity.
Lumber prices have been surging globally, triggered by growing demand for housing in the United States and other countries. Speculative funds have also flowed into the market, leading to a global increase in raw material prices.